In 2020, California lawmakers passed new regulations aimed at reducing wildfire risk by requiring the clearing of combustible materials within 5 feet (1.5 meters) of homes in high-risk areas. These rules were scheduled to take effect on Jan. 1, 2023, but as Los Angeles faces devastating wildfires, the regulations have yet to be finalized. State Senator Henry Stern expressed frustration at the delay in implementing these crucial measures.
The destructive Eaton Fire in Altadena, Calif., and the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles underscore the urgent need for these regulations. The Palisades Fire, fueled by strong winds, resulted in the destruction of thousands of structures in areas like Pacific Palisades, Malibu, and Topanga Canyon. Experts believe that clearing the area around homes of flammable materials could have made a difference in saving some properties during these wildfires.
California already has strict defensible space laws requiring homeowners in fire-prone regions to maintain a clear zone around their homes. The latest legislation introduces a new “ember-resistant” zone, known as “zone zero,” prohibiting flammable items within 5 feet of homes to prevent embers from igniting structures. Research shows that embers are a major cause of structure loss during wildfires, highlighting the importance of creating ember-resistant zones.
The bipartisan-supported zone-zero law was prompted by record-breaking fires in 2017 and 2018, including the devastating fire in Paradise that resulted in extensive destruction and loss of life. By adhering to defensible space guidelines and home-hardening recommendations, homeowners can significantly improve their homes’ chances of surviving wildfires.
Yana Valachovic, a fire scientist at the University of California’s Cooperative Extension in Humboldt and Del Norte Counties, is currently assisting CalFire in assessing the aftermath of the recent fires in LA. When asked about the potential increase in survival rates due to certain measures, she expressed caution, stating, “I’m hesitant to put a number factor on exactly how much greater survival rate we’ll get. But, you know, we have to do everything to push the equation.”
The Board of Forestry and Fire Protection is still in the “pre-rulemaking phase” as they work to secure funding to address the potential costs associated with new requirements. The draft language is not expected to be reviewed by the board until later in the year, although CalFire has already started advising homeowners to embrace certain practices on their website. These recommendations stem from a report on fire strategies, requested by Gov. Gavin Newsom in 2019, which includes the adoption of zone zero requirements.
In response to the devastation caused by the Palisades Fire in Malibu, efforts have been made to extend the compliance deadline for existing homes once the regulations are in place. Some cities and homeowners are proactively implementing these practices even before they become mandatory.
Edith Hannigan, the executive officer of the board, emphasized the complexity of the process, stating, “There are many facets to consider as part of this complex process. This topic remains a priority for the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection, and staff aims to have a draft proposal to present to the Board as soon as is feasible.”
State officials revealed that Gov. Newsom plans to allocate $25 million towards assisting homeowners in creating zone zero areas and meeting other defensible space requirements. This funding is part of a larger $10 billion bond approved by voters in 2024 to support climate change initiatives.
Kimiko Barrett, who conducted a study on retrofitting existing structures in California, highlighted the importance of strategies such as clearing dead vegetation, debris, and replacing bark with pea gravel. While there may be additional costs, replacing wooden fencing can significantly enhance a home’s protection.
The potential consequences of not implementing these measures were underscored by Barrett, who warned, “The cost of not doing anything could be far, far greater.”
Zone zero discussions have been ongoing for the past decade, although not everyone is onboard with the concept. State Senator Stern, who lost his home in a previous Los Angeles fire, shared his challenges in convincing his family to adopt these practices. Despite his efforts, convincing his parents to make seemingly minor changes proved to be difficult.
U.S. Rep. Laura Friedman, a key figure in passing the zone-zero law in 2020, expressed disappointment in the prolonged implementation timeline, stating, “I hope that the state acts with the urgency that the issue and these guidelines deserve.”
Under the current draft, the rules would apply immediately to new homes, with existing buildings granted a three-year period to comply.
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